Building Materials Company and Director fined after employee death

Oct 18, 2010

A building materials manufacturer and its director have been fined a total of £20,000 after an employee was killed by an industrial mixing machine blade.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) prosecuted the company and its director following the death at the company's premises.

The 44-year-old father of one had climbed into the machine - a powerful, slow speed mixer - to clean it when it was switched on by another employee. The Crown Court heard that it should have been impossible to switch on the machine while someone was inside.

The victim’s brother said, "I can't understand how manufacturing companies can become complacent over health & safety in this day and age. I just hope highlighting my brother’s death will stop it happening to someone else."

The company was fined £16,000 and ordered to pay £8,000 costs. The company's director was fined £4,000 and ordered to pay costs of £2,000.

Both admitted breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 by failing to ensure the safety of employees.

This was a totally avoidable incident that resulted in the tragic death of an employee. The guard on the mixer was totally inadequate and both the safety switches failed.

If the machine had had a proper guard and a working cut-out switch, it would not have been possible to switch it on during maintenance, and the victim would still be alive today.

More than 3.2 million people are employed in the manufacturing sector in Great Britain. Last year, 35 workers were killed and there were more than 31,000 serious injuries in the industry.

These incidents can be prevented by following the guidance in the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER).

Wilby Ltd’s experienced consultants can assist in this.

Our qualified and experienced risk management consultants will work closely with your staff to ensure you are fully aware of the risks that exist on and around your business premises.

Our risk assessment services take into account risks presented by the working environment of you and your staff, and the workplace activities you undertake on a daily basis.

Call 01422 358525 for further information or click here to contact us.